House Bill No. 220, also known as the "PROTECT" Act, aims to enhance the reporting mechanisms for child exploitation on covered platforms in Louisiana. The bill establishes Chapter 20-B of Title 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, which includes definitions for terms such as "covered platform," "online platform," and "report mechanism." It mandates that any covered platform allowing user-generated content must provide clear and conspicuous instructions for reporting suspected child sexual abuse material and other instances of child exploitation. The reporting mechanism must be easily accessible, clearly labeled, and allow users to submit reports without needing to register for an account.

The bill also outlines penalties for covered platforms that fail to comply with these requirements. If a platform does not provide the mandated reporting mechanism, it may face civil penalties, with the attorney general authorized to investigate violations and initiate civil actions. The penalties can amount to up to five thousand dollars for each day of violation, with additional fines possible for non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill allows the attorney general to recover costs associated with investigations and proceedings related to violations, including attorney fees.